Powerful, bounce and swivel flash with simple dedicated auto operation on many Pentax film and digital SLR cameras (see below)

• Quality Vivitar flash unit
• Tilt and swivel for bounce
• Includes 28mm wide diffuser
• Powerful guide number 36m
• Three auto exposure modes
• Full manual control option
• Low power winder setting
• Thyristor for fast recycling
• Audible warning signals
• Dedicated for Pentax SLRs
• Works on many film, digital
• Set the speed automatically
  with viewfinder flash ready
• Not for TTL, program modes
• Interchangeable flash heads
• Interchangeable modules
• Includes copy instructions
• Includes 4x AA batteries

Vivitar was one of the top independent lens and accessory brands, and this 4600 System flashgun is supplied with a dedicated auto module suitable for Pentax SLR cameras, including many 35mm, medium format and digital models. With suitable cameras the shutter speed can be set automatically when the flash is charged, and flash ready status shown in the viewfinder. The flash is in fully working order, used condition, supplied with extra wide angle and bounce diffuser, instructions (copy) and Alkaline batteries. Please read the full description for more important information.

The flash head tilts and/or swivels for bounce flash, which gives more even, natural lighting whether the camera is held horizontally or vertically, and reduces the chance of redeye. Positive click stops at up to 90 degrees vertically and 270 degrees horizontally. The head can also be tilted down by 10 degrees for close ups. The auto sensor still points forwards, so exposure can be determined automatically with auto bounce flash. The flash alone covers lenses from 35mm wide angle upwards (on film or full frame digital), and this focal length is equivalent to around 23mm on APS-C digital cameras. An extra wide diffuser is supplied for lenses down to 28mm (18mm), and this can also be used to direct a small amount of light straight ahead when using bounce flash, filling in the shadows. The head is interchangeable, and alternative heads were available (not included).

This is a powerful flash unit with a guide number of 36 (meters) and 117 (feet) at ISO 100. This gives a theoretical maximum range of up to 21m (69 feet) with a 50mm f/1.7 lens, and even further with faster films or ISO settings. As always, actual range will depend on the conditions. Automatic, dedicated exposure control, with three auto ranges plus full manual operation. The auto modes give a choice of apertures (f/2, f/4 or f/8 at ISO 100) and ranges. Thyristor circuitry provides faster recycling at closer distances in auto modes. Two manual modes are provided, with either full or reduced power – the latter provides faster recycling to keep up with an auto winder. The flash has interchangeable dedicated flash modules and a Pentax one is supplied, but others were available (not included – see below).

The comprehensive control panel on the rear is clear and easy to read. Information includes film speeds from ISO 25 to 800, apertures from f/1.4 to f/22 and distances in various modes from 0.7 to 30m (3 to 100 feet). A button is provided to illuminate the control panel in low light. A ready light and test button are provided, and the auto check light confirms correct exposure. Optional audible warnings give different beeps when the flash is charged, and for correct exposure confirmation. These can be switched off for use in quiet or inappropriate situations.

This Vivitar flash is very well made (in Japan), with high quality materials, clear markings and a very good standard of fit and finish, as you'd expect. It even has serial numbers, which is increasingly unusual for flash units. It measures around 130mm (5.1") tall and weighs approximately 380g (13.3oz) without batteries. The flash accepts 4x standard AA batteries, including disposable alkaline (supplied) or rechargeable NiCd and NiMH types. Socket for external power supply (not included). Power saving mode switches the flash to standby when not being used. Captive battery compartment cover, which can't easily be lost. Standard hot shoe fitting, with locking wheel for secure mounting.

A really useful flash unit for Pentax SLR users, and many others.

Condition: Excellent++ (8/10)
The flash is in fully working order, and all features work correctly (checked on our Pentax camera). All controls work positively, and the bounce/swivel head works properly with little play. Cosmetically there are signs of use with scratches and scrapes here and there in the plastic finish. The battery contacts are slightly marked but have been cleaned and work fine. The diffuser fits OK with slight play, while the instructions are copies (for the flash and dedicated module) but complete and legible.

No cracks or splits, and overall it's in good shape.
Includes standard head with bounce/wide diffuser, DM/P module, instructions (copy) and 4x Alkaline AA batteries. At the time of listing we have more than one of this flash, but the pictures and description here are representative of all of them.

Compatibility
This flash can be used on any Pentax SLR camera with a hot shoe (and some others), as follows:

Dedicated auto flash works on Pentax film and digital models including the ME Super, ME-F, MG, MV, MV-1, Program A (Program Plus), A3 (A3000), P30N (P3N), P30T, P50 (P5), MZ-M (ZX-M), Super A (Super Program) and LX (with hot shoe viewfinders), SFX (SF1), SFXn (SF1n), SF7 (SF10), Z-1 (PZ-1), Z-1P (PZ-1P), Z-5, Z-5p, Z-10 (PZ-10), Z-20 (PZ-20), Z-50p, Z-70 (PZ-70), MZ-3, MZ-5 (ZX-5), MZ-5n (ZX-5n), MZ-6, MZ-7 (ZX-7), MZ-10 (ZX-10), MZ-30 (ZX-30), MZ-50 (ZX-50), MZ-60 (ZX-60), MZ-S, *ist, 645, 645N, 645NII and *ist D, DS, DS2, DL, DL2, K100D, K100D Super, K110D, K200D, K10D, K20D, K-30, K-50, K-70, K-500, K-m (K2000), K-x, K-r, K-S1, K-S2, KP, K-1, K-1 II, K-3, K-3 II, K-5, K-5 II, K-5 IIs, K-7, K-01, 645D and 645Z digital, plus the related Samsung GX-1S, GX-1L, GX-10 and GX-20.

The shutter speed is set automatically when the flash is charged, and flash ready status is shown in the viewfinder. Please note that this flash is not compatible with TTL or program flash modes. On AF and digital cameras you need to set the aperture manually (Av mode works well), and then the flash sets the correct exposure depending on the distance. It works on the original Pentax P30 (P3), but only in manual mode as this camera doesn't support aperture priority.

Auto or manual (non-dedicated) flash modes work on older Pentax cameras with a hot shoe such as the Spotmatic II, IIa, F, Electro Spotmatic, ES, ES II, ME, MX, KM, KX, K2, K2 DMD, K1000, EI-2000 digital, etc.

Other cameras including digital
Not recommended for cameras with dedicated flash control (using a hot shoe with more than one contact), other than those listed above. The flash will work fine on many other cameras with a standard (non-dedicated) hot shoe, with the shutter speed and aperture set manually on the camera in M mode, and exposure controlled by the flash in non-TTL auto modes. Suitable cameras include the Panasonic FZ10, FZ20 and FZ30, Fujifilm S7000, S602 (and Pro), S9500, S9600, S100FS, S200EXR, HS10 (down to 28mm zoom), etc.

The trigger voltage is just under the ISO 10330 standard of 24v, and within Pentax's stated limits of 25v or 30v for DSLRs, but some other voltage-intolerant cameras only accept up to 6v.

Interchangeable Modules
This Vivitar flash unit accepts interchangeable modules, and a DM/P (Pentax) one is included as described above. Other modules were available (NOT included) such as the DM/S (standard hot shoe), DM/C (Canon FD), DM/M (Minolta X), DM/N and DM/N2 (Nikon AI), DM/O (Olympus OM) and DM/Y-C (Contax/Yashica), plus the non-dedicated Vari-Slave module with variable power manual down to 1/16th and internal slave trigger. Also available was a DSC-1 Dedicated Sensor Cord, for off-camera use while retaining dedicated features where relevant. Please check our other listings or contact us to see if we have any of these items available.